[Tikievents] Frankie's Tiki Room opens in Las Vegas

Frankie's Tiki Room, the only authentic tiki bar in Las Vegas, hosted a private preview party Tuesday night (12.2.08) giving guests a first look at the one-of-a-kind tiki environment complemented by traditional carvings, original Polynesian art, a full bar and gaming. In attendance were some of the world's top tiki carvers who had a hand in creating Frankie's unique vibe and included: Bamboo Ben, the world's foremost tiki room designer and grandson of Eli Hedley, who created the décor for the legendary Aku Aku at the Stardust (the Aku Aku now resides in Sunset Park) ; Crazy Al Evans, credited for his sculpture known as "Polynesian Pop" and for creating Frankie's signature tiki, a monstrous island warrior; Tiki Ray, who is famous for carving in traditional island style, bringing out an authentic look and feel on all his finished pieces; and Buzzy of San Diego Tiki Factory. The party was hosted by P Moss, the founder of Frankie's Tiki Room who is also renowned for creating the infamous Double Down Saloon, located in Las Vegas and New York City.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with handcrafted limited edition tiki charmers, which were carved and signed by Tiki Ray and created exclusively for the party. The intimate space was packed to capacity as guests enjoyed the different elements that make Frankie's atmosphere so unique, including the variety of original exotic drinks and collectible souvenir mugs, tiki statues and handcrafted artwork. Located at 1712 W. Charleston Blvd., Frankie's opens to the public Thursday, Dec. 4 and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Frankie's Tiki Room is a unique combination of South Seas exotica and modern primitivism, with just a hint of Las Vegas kitsch. Frankie's was founded by P Moss, the creator of the infamous Double Down Saloon, located in Las Vegas and New York City. One hundred percent original and deeply rooted in tiki tradition, Frankie's is the place where guests can escape to the fantasy any hour of the day or night. Whether it's ordering from the menu of exotic rum drinks and traditional cocktails in the tiki lounge, gambling at the bar, admiring the carvings or enjoying the music, Frankie's Tiki Room does it in classic Las Vegas style.

The interior of Frankie's was built by Bamboo Ben, the world's foremost tiki bar designer and grandson of Eli Hedley, who created the décor for the legendary Aku Aku at the Stardust. Frankie's link to Las Vegas' tiki past also includes original carvings by Tiki Bosko, who created exotic works of art not only at the Tropicana, but also the short lived but greatly missed Taboo Cove at the Venetian. Frankie's signature tiki is a monstrous island warrior by Crazy Al Evans, surrounded by extraordinary carvings by Tiki Ray and the much revered godfather of all tiki carvers, Leroy Schmaltz.